YOUNGSTOWN Drug charges faced

Officials said they expect the value of seized assets to reach about $1 million. YOUNGSTOWN -- Federal and local law enforcement officials have seized $500,000 and 13 vehicles from a Youngstown businessman charged with drug dealing. They may also seize his $200,000 Campbell home. David J. Holden, 48, who uses the nickname "Memphis," was arrested last week on a federal indictment charging him with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, U.S. attorney's office and DEA officials said. Five kilograms is about 11 pounds. Involved in the arrest were the Drug Enforcement Administration Youngstown Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service, the Mahoning Valley Drug Task Force and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. After his arrest, federal search warrants were executed at Holden's place of business, Holden Used Auto Sales on South Avenue in Youngstown, and at Holden's 100 Creed Circle home, according to the DEA. As a result of the warrants as well as seizure warrants and searches at area banks, officials seized cash expected to exceed $500,000. What's alleged: The 13 vehicles were seized from his home and business. His home is also subject to forfeiture. DEA officials said the value of seized assets is expected to total nearly $1 million. The cash, home and vehicles are alleged by the government to be the proceeds of drug trafficking and subject to forfeiture. Holden appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Limbert in Youngstown after his arrest at his business Thursday, DEA officials said. He was ordered held by the U.S. marshal pending a detention hearing Wednesday in Cleveland before U.S. District Court Judge John M. Manos. Other arrests: On Friday, Barbara Woods, 47, and Otis Woods Jr., 70, were arrested at their home on 422 Glenwood Ave. in Youngstown on the same indictment by the DEA Youngstown Task Force and the Mahoning Valley Drug Task Force. They appeared before Limbert and were detained pending a Wednesday hearing. Barbara Woods and Otis Woods Jr. each face a conspiracy charge identical to Holden's, according to the U.S. attorney's office. On conviction, the crime is punishable by 10 years to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $4 million. Both also are accused of possession with intent to distribute approximately 5.23 grams (0.18 ounces) of cocaine base (crack) and possession with intent to distribute approximately 298.42 grams (10.4 ounces) of cocaine. Otis Woods Jr. also faces a charge of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of approximately 55.84 grams (1.95 ounces) of cocaine. The DEA Youngstown Task Force is made up of DEA special agents and officers from departments in Youngstown, Salem, Warren, Boardman, Poland Village and Beaver Township, the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. Also participating in the investigation were DEA Cleveland, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Parma Police Department and U.S. Customs.

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